The Malyuzhinets-Popov diffraction problem revisited

Abstract

In this paper, the high-frequency diffraction of a plane wave incident along a planar boundary turning into a smooth convex contour, so that the curvature undergoes a jump, is asymptotically analysed. An approach modifying the Fock parabolic-equation method is developed. Asymptotic formulas for the wavefield in the illuminated area, shadow, and the penumbra are derived. The penumbral field is characterized by novel and previously unseen special functions that resemble Fock's integrals.